At least 92 people were killed and 104 others were injured in 95 road accidents in five days of Eid-ul-Adha holidays across the country, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, citing a report of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
According to the BRTA report on accidents from 13 to 17 June, the number of crashes involving motorcycles was the highest followed by the number of crashes involving easy bikes.
"These vehicles are extremely interrupting the road discipline… There is a need for a specific policy for these vehicles," the minister told a press briefing at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
Bangladesh celebrated Eid-ul-Adha on 17 June and the rush of Eid travellers started on 13 June, as the three-day Eid holidays also followed two-day weekends on 14-15 June.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Wednesday said reckless driving, motorcycles and easy bikes are causing the highest number of road accidents across the country.
“It is very unfortunate that currently the road accidents are taking place more. Of those, motorbike accidents have become more frequent. According to data of accidents, motorbikes are responsible for the highest number of accidents, followed by easy bikes,” he said.
The minister told reporters after exchanging Eid greetings at his ministry's conference room at secretariat.
Quader said reckless driving also plays a pivotal role. “We can't ignore this. The concerned secretary has been asked to formulate a policy," he said.
He said that the lack of regulation for millions of three-wheelers and motorcycles is disrupting order on the roads, highlighting the urgent need for a policy.
Quader also noted that while the Eid journey on the roads were relatively smooth, but the return trips remain a concern. "The return journeys often receive less attention, which can lead to accidents. Therefore, we must focus on ensuring the safety of the return journeys as well."
Replying to a query, Quader said about Taka five crore has been realized as toll in a day from Padma Bridges while Taka four crore has been realized from Bangabandhu Bridge.
